The University of Arizona Center for Innovation Hires Subject Matter Experts To Mentor Expanding Number of Startups
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) has expanded their team to include four subject matter experts that will help serve the increasing number of startups in the incubator. These subject matter experts (SME’s) will assist the UACI startups in taking action toward four critical functional aspects of their ventures through a regular cadence of interaction.
These four functional areas are critical to the success of business and are commonly identified as the key support areas needed for most startups. UACI is pleased to expand its offerings to provide resident expertise in these areas to the 29 startups in the incubator. The community members contracted as UACI’s subject matter experts include:
Susan Garber - Marketing, Branding and Pitching – Garber is working with incubator entrepreneurs on matters relating to the marketing, branding and pitching strategies for their startups. She comes to UACI with years of experience helping companies large and small identify and execute their marketing strategy.
Jody Yarbrough - Accounting and Finance – Yarbrough will meet regularly with incubator entrepreneurs to assist them with matters relating to accounting and finance operations for their startups. She is a certified public accountant and a serial chief financial officer with deep experience in the healthcare space.
Devon Underwood - Team and Board Development – Underwood is responsible for assisting UACI entrepreneurs with matters relating to the development of recruitment and onboarding strategy as well as establishing and utilizing a board of directors. Devon has over 15 years of experience working with organizations to help them strategically grow their teams as well as leading her own business, The Talent Store.
Sonia Vohnout - Contract Management – Vohnout helps entrepreneurs who seek government awards, primarily focused on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. Sonia is one of Southern Arizona’s top experts on the proposal and management of these awards and has a track record of helping companies succeed in this area.
Enhancing the network to include these SME’s ensures startups have the expertise necessary to successfully launch their business. UACI provides a structured business development plan which navigates entrepreneurs through a 27-point program roadmap including how to develop a business plan, identify target markets, refine the prototype, prepare a business pitch presentation, secure investment and successfully launch into the market. UACI provides dedicated space for startups where they can work alongside other entrepreneurs in a fast-paced environment.
About the UA Center for Innovation
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) is a startup incubator network with locations across the Southern Arizona region. The UACI offers leaders of science and technology startups the expertise, connections to the University of Arizona, incubation programs and office and lab space needed to turn ideas and inventions into strong, scalable and sustainable businesses that ultimately provide high-paying jobs and fuel Southern Arizona’s economy. As Arizona’s leading incubation organization, with nearly two decades of successful outcomes, UACI is a critical component of Arizona’s innovation ecosystem. UACI is part of Tech Parks Arizona which brings together university, industry and community, creating “interactive ground” to advance technology innovation.
